Method and Device for Acute Sound Detection and Reproduction

This is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/321,892, filed 17 May 2021, which is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/987,396, filed 7 Aug. 2020, which is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/669,490, filed 30 Oct. 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,810,989, which is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/193,568, filed 16 Nov. 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,535,334, which is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,589, filed on Dec. 18, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,134,377, which claims priority to, and is a continuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/017,878, filed on Jan. 22, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,917,894, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/885,917, filed on Jan. 22, 2007, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The present invention relates to a device that monitors sound directed to an occluded ear, and more particularly, though not exclusively, to an earpiece and method of operating an earpiece that detects acute sounds and allows the acute sounds to be reproduced in an ear canal of the occluded ear.

Since the advent of industrialization over two centuries ago, the human auditory system has been increasingly stressed to tolerate high noise levels to which it had hitherto been unexposed. Recently, human knowledge of the causes of hearing damage have been researched intensively and models for predicting hearing loss have been developed and verified with empirical data from decades of scientific research. Yet it can be strongly argued that the danger of permanent hearing damage is more present in our daily lives than ever, and that sound levels from personal audio systems in particular (i.e. from portable audio devices), live sound events, and the urban environment are a ubiquitous threat to healthy auditory functioning across the global population.

Environmental noise is constantly presented in industrialized societies given the ubiquity of external sound intrusions. Examples include people talking on their cell phones, blaring music in health clubs, or the constant hum of air conditioning systems in schools and office buildings. Excess noise exposure can also induce auditory fatigue, possibly comprising a person's listening abilities. On a daily basis, people are exposed to various environmental sounds and noises within their environment, such as the sounds from traffic, construction, and industry.

To combat the undesired cacophony of annoying sounds, people are arming themselves with portable audio playback devices to drown out intrusive noise. The majority of devices providing the person with audio content do so using insert (or in-ear) earbuds. These earbuds deliver sound directly to the ear canal at high sound levels over the background noise even though the earbuds generally provide little to no ambient sound isolation. Moreover, when people wear earbuds (or headphones) to listen to music, or engage in a call using a telephone, they can effectively impair their auditory judgment and their ability to discriminate between sounds. With such devices, the person is immersed in the audio experience and generally less likely to hear warning sounds within their environment. In some cases, the user may even tum up the volume to hear their personal audio over environmental noises. It also puts them at high sound exposure risk which can potentially cause long term hearing damage.

With earbuds, personal audio reproduction levels can reach in excess of 100 dB. This is enough to exceed recommended daily sound exposure levels in less than a minute and to cause permanent acoustic trauma. Furthermore, rising population densities have continually increased sound levels in society. According to researchers, 40% of the European community is continuously exposed to transportation noise of 55 dBA and 20% are exposed to greater than 65 dBA. This level of 65 dBA is considered by the World Health Organization to be intrusive or annoying, and as mentioned, can lead to users of personal audio devices increasing reproduction levels to compensate for ambient noise.

A need therefore exists for enhancing the user's ability to listen in the environment without harming his or her hearing faculties.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a method and device for acute sound detection and reproduction.

In a first embodiment, an earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) to capture ambient sound, at least one Ear Canal Receiver (ECR) to deliver audio to an ear canal; and a processor operatively coupled to the ASM and the at least one ECR. The processor can monitor a change in the ambient sound level to detect an acute sound from the change. The acute sound can be reproduced within the ear canal via the ECR responsive to detecting the acute sound.

The processor can pass (transmit) sound from the ASM directly to the ECR to produce sound within the ear canal at a same sound pressure level (SPL) as the acute sound measured at an entrance to the ear canal. In one arrangement, the processor can maintain an approximately constant ratio between an audio content level (ACL) and an internal ambient sound level (iASL) measured within the ear canal. In one arrangement, the processor can measure an external ambient sound level (xASL) of the ambient sound with the ASM and subtract an attenuation level of the earpiece from the xASL to estimate the internal ambient sound level (iASL) within the ear canal.

The earpiece can further include an Ear Canal Microphone (ECM) to measure an ear canal sound level (ECL) within the ear canal. In this configuration, the processor can estimate the internal ambient sound level (iASL) within the ear canal by subtracting an estimated audio content sound level (ACL) from the ECL. For instance, the processor can measure a voltage level of the audio content sent to the ECR, and apply a transfer function of the ECR to convert the voltage level to the ACL. The processor can be located external to the earpiece on a portable computing device.

In a second embodiment, an earpiece can comprise an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) to capture ambient sound, at least one Ear Canal Receiver (ECR) to deliver audio to an ear canal, an audio interface operatively coupled to the processor to receive audio content, and a processor operatively coupled to the ASM and the at least one ECR. The processor can monitor a change in the ambient sound level to detect an acute sound from the change, adjust an audio content level (ACL) of the audio content delivered to the ear canal, and reproduce the acute sound within the ear canal via the ECR responsive to detecting the acute sound and based on the ACL.

The audio interface can receive the audio content from at least one among a portable music player, a cell phone, and a portable communication device. During operation, the processor can maintain an approximately constant ratio between an audio content level (ACL) and an internal ambient sound level (iASL) measured within the ear canal. In one arrangement, the processor can mute the audio content and pass the acute sound to the ECR for reproducing the acute sound within the ear canal. In another arrangement, the processor can amplify the acute sound with respect to the audio content level (ACL).

In a third embodiment, a method for acute sound detection and reproduction can include the steps of measuring an ambient sound level (xASL) of ambient sound external to an ear canal at least partially occluded by the earpiece, monitoring a change in the xASL for detecting an acute sound, and reproducing the acute sound within the ear canal responsive to detecting the acute sound. The reproducing can include enhancing the acute sound over the ambient sound. The step of reproducing can produce sound within the ear canal at a same sound pressure level (SPL) as the acute sound measured at an entrance to the ear canal.

The method can further include receiving audio content from an audio interface that is directed to the ear canal, and maintaining an approximately constant ratio between a level of the audio content (ACL) and a level of an internal ambient sound level (iASL) measured within the ear canal. The ACL can be determined by measuring a voltage level of the audio content sent to the ECR, and applying a transfer function of the ECR to convert the voltage level to the ACL. The method can further include measuring an Ear Canal Level (ECL) within the ear canal, and subtracting the ACL from the ECL to estimate the iASL. The iASL can be estimated by subtracting an attenuation level of the earpiece from the xASL.

In a fourth embodiment, a method for acute sound detection and reproduction suitable for use with an earpiece can include the steps of measuring an external ambient sound level (xASL) in an ear canal at least partially occluded by the earpiece, monitoring a change in the xASL for detecting an acute sound, estimating a proximity of the acute sound, and reproducing the acute sound within the ear canal responsive to detecting the acute sound based on the proximity. The step of estimating a proximity can include performing a cross-correlation analysis between at least two microphones, identifying a peak in the cross correlation and an associated time lag, and determining the direction from the associated time lag. The method can further include identifying whether the acute sound is a vocal signal produced by a user operating the earpiece or a sound source external from the user.

In a fifth embodiment, a method for acute sound detection and reproduction suitable for use with an earpiece can include measuring an external ambient sound level (xASL) due to ambient sound outside of an ear canal at least partially occluded by the earpiece, measuring an internal ambient sound level (iASL) due to residual ambient sound within the ear canal at least partially occluded by the earpiece, monitoring a high frequency change between the xASL and the iASL with respect to a low frequency change between the xASL and the iASL for detecting an acute sound, and reproducing the xASL within the ear canal responsive to detecting the high frequency change. The method can further include determining a proximity of a sound source producing the acute sound.

The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

Processes, techniques, apparatus, and materials as known by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail but are intended to be part of the enabling description where appropriate, for example the fabrication and use of transducers. Additionally in at least one exemplary embodiment the sampling rate of the transducers can be varied to pick up pulses of sound, for example less than 50 milliseconds.

In all of the examples illustrated and discussed herein, any specific values, for example the sound pressure level change, should be interpreted to be illustrative only and non-limiting. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments could have different values.

Note that similar reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and thus once an item is defined in one figure, it may not be discussed for following figures.

Note that herein when referring to correcting or preventing an error or damage (e.g., hearing damage), a reduction of the damage or error and/or a correction of the damage or error are intended.

1 FIG. 100 100 113 131 135 100 100 At least one exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to an earpiece for ambient sound monitoring and warning detection. Reference is made toin which an earpiece device, generally indicated as earpiece, is constructed in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, earpiecedepicts an electro-acoustical assemblyfor an in-the-ear acoustic assembly, as it would typically be placed in the ear canalof a user. The earpiececan be an in the ear earpiece, behind the ear earpiece, receiver in the ear, open-fit device, or any other suitable earpiece type. The earpiececan be partially or fully occluded in the ear canal, and is suitable for use with users having healthy or abnormal auditory functioning.

100 125 131 123 100 131 131 129 127 117 133 113 131 113 133 125 133 113 Earpieceincludes an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) Ill to capture ambient sound, an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR)to deliver audio to an ear canal, and an Ear Canal Microphone (ECM)to assess a sound exposure 1evel within the ear canal. The earpiececan partially or fully occlude the ear canalto provide various degrees of acoustic isolation. The assembly is designed to be inserted into the user's ear canal, and to form an acoustic seal with the wallsof the ear canal at a locationbetween the entranceto the ear canal and the tympanic membrane (or ear drum). Such a seal is typically achieved by means of a soft and compliant housing of assembly. Such a seal is pertinent to the performance of the system in that it creates a closed cavityof approximately 5 cc between the in-ear assemblyand the tympanic membrane. As a result of this seal, the ECR (speaker)is able to generate a full range bass response when reproducing sounds for the user. This seal also serves to significantly reduce the sound pressure level at the user's eardrumresulting from the sound field at the entrance to the ear canal. This seal is also the basis for the sound isolating performance of the electro-acoustic assembly.

125 123 131 131 111 113 121 119 Located adjacent to the ECR, is the ECM, which is acoustically coupled to the (closed) ear canal cavity. One of its functions is that of measuring the sound pressure level in the ear canal cavityas a part of testing the hearing acuity of the user as well as confirming the integrity of the acoustic seal and the working condition of itself and the ECR. The ASMis housed in an assemblyand monitors sound pressure at the entrance to the occluded or partially occluded ear canal. All transducers shown can receive or transmit audio signals to a processorthat undertakes audio signal processing and provides a transceiver for audio via the wired or wireless communication path.

2 FIG. 100 100 206 111 125 123 202 203 206 111 206 208 100 208 206 Referring to, a block diagram of the earpiecein accordance with an exemplary embodiment is shown. As illustrated, the earpiececan include a processoroperatively coupled to the ASM, ECR, and ECMvia one or more Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)and Digital to Analog Converters (DAC). The processorcan monitor the ambient sound captured by the ASMfor acute sounds in the environment, such as an abrupt high energy sound corresponding to the on-set of a warning sound (e.g., bell, emergency vehicle, security system, etc.), siren (e.g., police car, ambulance, etc.), voice (e.g., “help”, “stop”, “police”, etc.), or specific noise type (e.g., breaking glass, gunshot, etc.). The processorcan utilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC), and/or digital signal processor (DSP) with associated storage memorysuch as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other like technologies for controlling operations of the earpiece device. The memorycan store program instructions for execution on the processoras well as captured audio processing data.

100 212 206 206 206 206 The earpiececan include an audio interfaceoperatively coupled to the processorto receive audio content, for example from a media player or cell phone, and deliver the audio content to the processor. The processorresponsive to detecting acute sounds can adjust the audio content and pass the acute sounds directly to the ear canal. For instance, the processor can lower a volume of the audio content responsive to detecting an acute sound for transmitting the acute sound to the ear canal. The processorcan also actively monitor the sound exposure level inside the ear canal and adjust the audio to within a safe and subjectively optimized listening level range.

100 204 204 100 The earpiececan further include a transceiverthat can support singly or in combination any number of wireless access technologies including without limitation Bluetooth™, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and/or other short- or long-range communication protocols. The transceivercan also provide support for dynamic downloading over-the-air to the earpiece. It should be noted also that next generation access technologies can also be applied to the present disclosure.

210 100 210 206 The power supplycan utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the earpieceand to facilitate portable applications. A motor (not shown) can be a single supply motor driver coupled to the power supplyto improve sensory input via haptic vibration. As an example, the processorcan direct the motor to vibrate responsive to an action, such as a detection of a warning sound or an incoming voice call.

100 100 The earpiececan further represent a single operational device or a family of devices configured in a master-slave arrangement, for example, a mobile device and an earpiece. In the latter embodiment, the components of the earpiececan be reused in different form factors for the master and slave devices.

3 FIG. 2 FIG. 300 300 300 300 300 is a flowchart of a methodfor acute sound detection and reproduction in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The methodcan be practiced with more or less than the number of steps shown and is not limited to the order shown. To describe the method, reference will be made to components of, although it is understood that the methodcan be implemented in any other manner using other suitable components. The methodcan be implemented in a single earpiece, a pair of earpieces, headphones, or other suitable headset audio delivery devices.

300 100 302 100 111 The methodcan start in a state wherein the earpiecehas been inserted and powered on. As shown in step, the earpiececan monitor the environment for ambient sounds received at the ASM. Ambient sounds correspond to sounds within the environment such as the sound of traffic noise, street noise, conversation babble, or any other acoustic sound. Ambient sounds can also correspond to industrial sounds present in an industrial setting, such as factory noise, lifting vehicles, automobiles, and robots to name a few.

100 100 100 123 304 100 100 Although the earpiecewhen inserted in the ear can partially occlude the ear canal, the earpiecemay not completely attenuate the ambient sound. During the monitoring of ambient sounds in the environment, the earpiecealso monitors ear canal levels via the ECMas shown in step. The passive aspect of the physical earpiece, due to the mechanical and sealing properties, can provide upwards of a 22-26 dB noise reduction. However, portions of ambient sounds higher than 26 dB can still pass through the earpieceinto the ear canal. For instance, high energy low frequency sounds are not completely attenuated. Accordingly, residual sound may be resident in the ear canal and heard by the user.

131 212 212 212 125 100 131 100 125 304 100 123 Sound within the ear canalcan also be provided via the audio interface. The audio interfacecan receive the audio content from at least one among a portable music player, a cell phone, and a portable communication device. The audio interfaceresponsive to user input can direct sound to the ECR. For instance, a user can elect to play music through the earpiecewhich can be audibly presented to the ear canalfor listening. The user can also elect to receive voice communications (e.g., cell phone, voice mail, messaging) via the earpiece. For instance, the user can receive audio content for voice mail or a phone call directed to the ear canal via the ECR. As shown in step, the earpiececan monitor ear canal levels due to ambient sound and user selected sound via the ECM.

306 100 308 206 212 125 206 111 100 100 206 If at step, audio is playing (e.g., music, cell phone, etc.), the earpieceadjusts a sound level of the audio based on the ambient sound to maintain a constant signal to noise ratio with respect to the ear canal level at step. For instance, the processorcan selectively amplify or attenuate audio content received from the audio interfacebefore it is delivered to the ECR. The processorestimates a background noise level from the ambient sound received at the ASM, and adjusts the audio level of delivered audio content (e.g., music, cell phone audio) to maintain a constant signal (e.g., audio content) to noise level (e.g., ambient sound). By way of example, if the background noise level increases due to traffic sounds, the earpieceautomatically increases the volume of the audio content. Similarly, if the background noise level decreases, the earpieceautomatically decreases the volume of the audio content. The processorcan track variations on the ambient sound level to adjust the audio content level.

310 100 125 206 125 131 100 206 131 206 If at step, an acute sound is detected within the ambient sound, the earpieceactivates “sound pass-through” to reproduce the ambient sound in the ear canal by way of the ECR. The processorpermits the ambient sound to pass through the ECRto the ear canaldirectly for example by replicating the ambient sound external to the ear canal within the ear canal. This is important if the acute sound corresponds to an on-set for a warning sound such as a bell, a car, or an object. In such regard, the ambient sound containing the acute sound is presented directly to the ear canal in an original form. Although, the earpieceinherently provides attenuation due to the physical and mechanical aspects of the earpiece and its sealing properties, the processorcan reproduce the ambient sound within the ear canalat an original amplitude level and frequency content to provide “transparency”. For instance, the processormeasures and applies a transfer function of the ear canal to the passed ambient sound signal to provide an accurate reproduction of the ambient sound within the ear canal.

100 206 206 206 206 In one embodiment, the earpiecelooks for temporal and spectral characteristics in the ambient sound for detecting acute sounds. For instance, as will be explained ahead, the processorlooks for an abrupt change in the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of an ambient sound across a small time period. The processorcan also detect abrupt magnitude changes across frequency sub-bands (e.g. filter-bank, FFT, etc.). Notably, the processorcan search for on-sets (e.g., fast rising amplitude wave-front) of an acute sound or other abrupt feature characteristics without initially attempting to initially identify or recognize the sound source. That is, the processoris actively listening for a presence of acute sounds before identifying the type of sound source.

206 212 Even though the earplug inherently provides a certain attenuation level (e.g., noise reduction rating), the processorin view of the ear canal level (ECL) and ambient sound level (ASL) can reproduce the ambient sound within the ear canal to allow the user to make an informed decision with regard to the acute sound. The ECL corresponds to all sounds within the ear canal and includes the internal ambient sound level (iASL) resulting from residual ambient sounds through the earpiece and the audio content level (ACL) resulting from the audio delivered via the audio interface. Briefly, xASL is the external ambient sound external to the ear canal and the earpiece (e.g., ambient sound outside the ear canal). iASL is the residual ambient sound that remains internal in the ear canal. The following equations describe the relationship among terms:

206 111 As EQ 1 shows, the iASL is the difference between the external ambient sound (xASL) and the attenuation of the earpiece (Noise Reduction Rating) due to the physical and sealing properties of the earpiece. The processorcan measure an external ambient sound level (xASL) of the ambient sound with the ASMand subtracts an attenuation level of the earpiece (NRR) from the xASL to estimate the internal ambient sound level (iASL) within the ear canal.

123 206 206 125 125 EQ 2 is an alternate, or supplemental, method for calculating the iASL as the difference between the ECL and the Audio Content Level (ACL). By way of the ECM, the processorcan estimate an internal ambient sound level (iASL) within the ear canal by subtracting the estimated audio content sound level (ACL) from the ECL. The processormeasures a voltage level of the audio content sent to the ECR, and applies a transfer function of the ECRto convert the voltage level to the ACL.

206 111 125 206 The processorevaluates the equations above to pass sound from the ASMdirectly to the ECRto produce sound within the ear canal at a same sound pressure level (SPL) and frequency representation as the acute sound measured at an entrance to the ear canal. Further, the processorcan maintain an approximately constant ratio between an audio content level (ACL) and an internal ambient sound level (iASL) measured within the ear canal.

314 100 206 316 100 316 206 206 111 318 125 100 300 302 At step, the earpiececan estimate a proximity of the acute sound. For instance, as will be shown ahead, the processorcan perform a correlation analysis on at least two microphones to determine whether the sound source is internal (e.g., the user) or external (e.g., an object other than the user). At step, the earpiecedetermines whether it is the user's voice that generates the acute sound when the user speaks, or whether it is an external sound such as a vehicle approaching the user. If at step, the processordetermines that the acute sound is a result of the user speaking, the processordoes not activate a pass-through mode, since this is not considered an external warning sound. The pass-through mode permits ambient sound detected at the ASMto be transmitted directly to the ear canal. If, however, the acute sound corresponds to an external sound source, such as an on-set of a warning sound, the earpiece at stepactivates “sound pass-through” to reproduce the ambient sound in the ear canal by way of the ECR. The earpiececan also present an audible notification to the user indicating that an external sound source generating the acute sound has been detected. The methodcan proceed back to stepto continually monitor for acute sounds in the environment.

4 FIG. 3 FIG. 2 FIG. 400 400 400 400 400 is a detailed approach to the methodoffor an Acute-Sound Pass-Through System (ACPTS) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The methodcan be practiced with more or less than the number of steps shown and is not limited to the order shown. To describe the method, reference will be made to components of, although it is understood that the methodcan be implemented in any other manner using other suitable components. The methodcan be implemented in a single earpiece, a pair of earpieces, headphones, or other suitable headset audio delivery devices.

402 100 111 404 206 111 406 206 408 206 206 410 412 416 206 418 125 206 452 400 420 At step, the earpiececaptures ambient sound signals from the ASM. At step, the processorapplies analog and discrete time signal processing to condition and compensate the ambient sound signal for the ASMtransducer. At step, the processorestimates a background noise level (BNL) as will be discussed ahead. At step, the processoridentifies at least one peak in a data buffer storing a portion of the ambient sound signal. The processorat stepgets a level of the peak (e.g., dBV). Blockpresents a method for warning signal detection (e.g. car horns, klaxons). When a warning signal is detected at step, the processorinvokes at stepa pass-through mode whereby the ASM signal is reproduced with the ECR. Upon activating pass-through mode, the processorcan perform a safe level check at step. If a warning signal is not detected, the methodproceeds to step.

420 206 422 424 422 426 206 206 428 434 430 436 400 432 At step, the processorsubtracts the estimated BNL from an SPL of the ambient sound signal to produce signal “A”. A high energy level transient signal is indicative of an acute sound. At step, a frequency dependent threshold is retrieved at step, and subtracted from signal “A”, as shown in stepto produce signal “B”. At step, the processordetermines if signal “B” is positive. If not, the processorperforms a hysterisis to determine if the acute sound has already been detected. If not, the processor at stepdetermines if an SPL of the ambient sound is greater than a signal “C” (e.g. threshold). If the SPL is greater than signal “C”, the earpiece generates a user generated sound at step. The signal “C” is used to ensure that the SPL between the signal and background noise is positive and greater than a predetermined amount. For instance, a low SPL threshold (e.g., “C” 40 dB) can be used as shown in step, although it can adapt to different environmental conditions. The low SPL threshold provides an absolute measure to the SPL difference. At step, a proximity of a sound source generating the acute sound can be estimated as will be discussed ahead. The methodcan continue to step.

422 428 206 436 438 125 428 432 206 440 206 438 442 206 452 Briefly, if a transient, high-level sound (or acute sound) is detected in the ambient sound signal (ASM input signal), then it is converted to a level, and its magnitude compared with the BNL is calculated. The magnitude of this resulting difference (signal “A”) is compared with the threshold (see step). If the value is positive, and the level of the transient is greater than a predefined threshold (see step), the processorinvokes the optional Source Proximity Detector at step, which determines if the acute sound was created by the User's voice (i.e., a user generated sound). If a user generated sound is NOT detected, then Pass-through operation at stepis invoked, whereby the ambient sound signal is reproduced with the ECR. If the difference signal at stepis not positive, or the level of the identified transient is too low, then the hysteresis is invoked at step. The processordecides if the pass-through was recently used at step(e.g., in the last 10 ms). If pass-through mode was recently activated, then processorinvokes the pass-through system at step; otherwise there is no pass-through of the ASM signal to the ECR as shown at step. Upon activating pass-through mode, the processorcan perform a safe level check at step.

5 FIG. 2 FIG. 500 500 500 500 500 is a flowchart of a methodfor acute sound source proximity. The methodcan be practiced with more or less than the number of steps shown and is not limited to the order shown. To describe the method, reference will be made to components of, although it is understood that the methodcan be implemented in any other manner using other suitable components. The methodcan be implemented in a single earpiece, a pair of earpieces, headphones, or other suitable headset audio delivery devices.

5 FIG. 500 100 500 100 500 100 206 100 Briefly,describes a methodfor Source Proximity Detection (SPD) to determine if the Acute sound detected was created by the User's voice operating the earpiece. The SPD methoduses as its inputs the external ambient sound signals from left and right electro-acoustic earpieceassemblies (e.g., a headphone). In some embodiments the SPD methodemploys Ear Canal Microphone (ECM) signals from left and right earpieceassemblies placed on left and right ears respectively. The processorperforms an electronic cross-correlation between the external ambient sound signals to determine a Pass-through or Non-Pass-through operating mode. In the described embodiment whereby the cross-correlation of both the ASM and ECM signals is involved, a pass-through mode is invoked when the cross-correlation analysis for both the left and right earpieceassemblies return a “Pass-through” operating mode, as determined by a logical AND unit.

502 100 504 510 206 516 506 508 514 206 518 524 520 206 522 For instance, at stepa left ASM signal from a left headset incorporating the earpieceassembles is received. Simultaneously, at stepa right ASM signal from a right headset is received. At step, the processorperforms a binaural cross correlation on the left ASM signal and the right ASM signal to evaluate a pass-through mode. At stepa left ECM signal from the left headset is received. At step, a right ECM signal from the right headset is received. At step, the processorperforms a binaural cross correlation on the left ECM signal and the right ECM signal to evaluate a pass-through mode. A pass-through modeis invoked if both the ASM and ECM cross correlation analysis are the same as determined in step. A safe level check can be performed by processorat step.

6 FIG. 2 FIG. 600 600 600 600 600 is a flowchart of a methodfor binaural analysis. The methodcan be practiced with more or less than the number of steps shown and is not limited to the order shown. To describe the method, reference will be made to components of, although it is understood that the methodcan be implemented in any other manner using other suitable components. The methodcan be implemented in a single earpiece, a pair of earpieces, headphones, or other suitable headset audio delivery devices.

6 FIG. 7 FIG. 500 602 604 606 608 610 612 614 616 622 626 628 622 618 624 632 636 628 624 626 206 634 Briefly,describes a component of the SPD methodwherein a cross-correlation of two input audio signalsand(e.g., left and right ASM signals) is calculated. The input signals may first be weighted using a frequency-dependent filter (e.g. an FIR-type filter) using filter coefficientsand filtering networksand. Alternatively, an interchannel cross-correlation calculated with functioncan return a frequency-dependent correlation such as a coherence function. The absolute maximum peak of a calculated cross-correlationcan be subtracted from a mean (or RMS)correlation, with subtractor, and compared 628 with a predefined threshold, to determine if the peak is significantly greater than the average correlation (i.e. a test for peakedness). Alternatively, the maxima of the peak may simply be compared with the thresholdwithout the subtraction process. If the lag-time of the peakis at approximately lag-sample 0, then the sound source is determined, at step, as being on the interaural axis-indicative of User-generated speech, and a no-pass through mode is returned 630 (a further function described inmay be used to confirm that the sound source originates in the User-head, rather than external to the user and further confirming that the acute sound is a User-generated voice sound). The logical AND unitactivates the pass-through modeif both criteria in the decision unitsandconfirm that the absolute maxima of the peak is above a predefined threshold, AND the lag of the peak is NOT at approximately lag sample zero. A safe level check may be performed by processorat step.

7 FIG. 2 FIG. 700 700 700 700 700 is a flowchart of a methodfor logic control. The methodcan be practiced with more or less than the number of steps shown and is not limited to the order shown. To describe the method, reference will be made to components of, although it is understood that the methodcan be implemented in any other manner using other suitable components. The methodcan be implemented in a single earpiece, a pair of earpieces, headphones, or other suitable headset audio delivery devices.

7 FIG. 5 FIG. 500 702 712 502 514 710 712 714 718 716 722 206 720 Briefly,describes a further component of the SPD method, which is optional to confirm that the acute sound source is from a location indicative of user-generated speech; i.e. inside the head. Method steps-are similar to Method steps-of. The cross-correlations of stepandprovide a time-lag of the maximum absolute peak for a pair of input signals; the ASM and ECM signals for the same headset (e.g. the ASM and ECM for the left headset). At stepa left lag of a peak of the left cross correlation is determined, and simultaneously, a right lag of a peak of the right cross correlation is determined at step. If a lag of a respective peak is greater than zero—this indicates that the sound arrived at the ECM signal before the ASM signal. Decision stepdetermines if the lag is greater than zero for both the left and right headsets-and activates the pass-through modeif so. A safe level check may be performed by processorat step.

8 FIG. 2 FIG. 800 800 800 800 800 is a flowchart of a methodfor estimating background sound level. The methodcan be practiced with more or less than the number of steps shown and is not limited to the order shown. To describe the method, reference will be made to components of, although it is understood that the methodcan be implemented in any other manner using other suitable components. The methodcan be implemented in a single earpiece, a pair of earpieces, headphones, or other suitable headset audio delivery devices.

800 802 111 123 804 806 808 810 812 814 816 123 818 828 826 123 822 820 824 832 111 123 830 834 842 840 838 836 844 Briefly, methodreceives as its inputeither or both the ASM signal from ASMand a signal from the ECM. An audio bufferof the input audio signal is accumulated (e.g. 10 ms of data), which is then processed by squaring stepto obtain the temporal envelope. The envelope is smoothed (e.g. an FIR-type low-pass digital filter) at stepusing a smoothing windowstored in data memory (e.g. a Hanning or Hamming shaped window). At step, transient peaks in the input buffer can be identified and removed to determine a “steady-state” Background Noise Level (BNL). At stepan average BNLcan be obtained (similar to, or the same as, the RMS) that is frequency dependent or a single value averaged over all frequencies. If the ECMis used to determine the BNL, then decision stepadjusts the ambient BNL estimation to provide an equivalent ear-canal BNL SPL, by deducting an Earpiece Noise Reduction Ratingfrom the BNL estimate. Alternatively, if the ECMis used, then the Audio Content SPL level (ACL)of any reproduced Audio Contentis deducted from the ECM level at step. The updated BNL estimate is then converted to a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) equivalent(i.e. substantially equal to the SPL at the ear-drum in which the earphone device is inserted) by taking into account the sensitivity (e.g. measured in V per dB) of either the ASMor ECMat stepsandrespectively. The resulting BNL SPL is then combined at stepwith the previous BNL estimate, by averaginga weighted previous BNL (weighted with coefficient), to give a new earcanal BNL.

9 FIG. 2 FIG. 900 900 900 900 900 is a flowchart of a methodfor maintaining constant audio content level (ACL) to internal ambient sound level (iASL). The methodcan be practiced with more or less than the number of steps shown and is not limited to the order shown. To describe the method, reference will be made to components of, although it is understood that the methodcan be implemented in any other manner using other suitable components. The methodcan be implemented in a single earpiece, a pair of earpieces, headphones, or other suitable headset audio delivery devices.

9 FIG. 900 904 111 910 906 123 912 900 902 908 914 916 Briefly,describes a methodfor Constant Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CSNRS). At stepan input signal is captured from the ASMand processed at step(e.g. ADC, EQ, gain). Similarly, at stepan input signal from the ECMis captured and processed at step. The methodalso receives as input an Audio Content signal, e.g. a music audio signal from a portable Media Player or mobile-phone, which is processed with an analog and digital signal processing system as shown in step. An Audio Content Level (ACL) is determined at stepbased on an earpiece sensitivity from step, and returns a dBV value.

900 125 In one exemplary embodiment, methodcalculates a RMS value over a window (e.g. the last 100 ms). The RMS value can then be first weighted with a first weighting coefficient and then averaged with a weighted previous level estimate. The ACL is converted to an equivalent SPL value (ACL), which may use either a look-up-table or algorithm to calculate the ear-canal SPL of the signal if it was reproduced with the ECR. To calculate the equivalent ear canal SPL, the sensitivity of the ear canal receiver can be factored in during processing.

922 902 906 924 918 926 920 914 922 930 932 932 928 936 932 938 934 928 936 940 At stepthe BNL is estimated using inputs from either or both the ASM signal at step, and/or the ECM signal at step. The BNL may be adjusted by the earpiece noise reduction rating. These signals are selected using the BNL input switch at step, which may be controlled automatically or with a specific user-generated manual operation at step. The Ear-Canal SNR is calculated at stepby differencing the ACL from stepand the BNL from stepand the resulting SNRis passed to the method stepfor AGC coefficient calculation. The AGC coefficient calculationcalculates gains for the Audio Content signal and ASM signal from the Automatic Gain Control stepsand(for the Audio Content and ASM signals, respectively). AGC coefficient calculationmay use a default preferred SNRor a user preferred SNRin its calculation. After the ASM signal and Audio content signal have been processed by the AGCsand, the two signals are mixed at step.

942 125 944 940 942 125 At step, a safe-level check determines if the resulting mixed signal is too high, if it were reproduced with the ECRas shown in block. The safe-level check can use information regarding the user's listening history to determine if the user's sound exposure is such that it may cause a temporary or a permanent hearing threshold shift. If such high levels are measured, then the safe-level check reduces the signal level of the mixed signals via a feedback path to step. The resulting audio signal generated after stepis then reproduced with the ECR.

10 FIG. 2 FIG. 950 950 950 950 950 is a flowchart of a methodfor maintaining a constant signal to noise ratio based on automatic gain control (AGC). The methodcan be practiced with more or less than the number of steps shown and is not limited to the order shown. To describe the method, reference will be made to components of, although it is understood that the methodcan be implemented in any other manner using other suitable components. The methodcan be implemented in a single earpiece, a pair of earpieces, headphones, or other suitable headset audio delivery devices.

950 950 952 960 958 964 954 956 958 962 962 968 970 966 974 972 978 976 932 9 FIG. Methoddescribes calculation of AGC coefficients. The methodreceives as its inputs an Ear Canal SNRand a target SNRto provide a SNR mismatch. The target SNRis chosen from a pre-defined SNR, sorted in computer memory or a manually defined SNR. At step, a difference is calculated between the actual ear-canal SNR and the target SNR to produce the mismatch. The mismatch levelis smoothed over time at step, which uses a previous mismatchthat is weighted using single or multiple weighting coefficients, to give a new time-smoothed SNR mismatch. Depending on the magnitude of this mismatch, various operating modes,can be invoked, for example, as described by the AGC decision module(stepin).

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions of the relevant exemplary embodiments. Thus, the description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention.